9

Duke continued presenting his desire to Dominic. To him, it was now or never.

“I need you to fake an open proposal to her. This has to be done publicly.”

“But what is your reason for this uh…unusual request?” Dominic was still shocked.

“Because my daughter is out of control.” Duke didn’t see any point in mincing words. The guy had to know what was needed to know. “She is wild and badly behaved. And trust me, it is not because I have been a bad parent. It is just how she has turned out. And the sort of wayward behavior she constantly exhibits is a threat to my political goals. People no longer judge me by my personality. They are starting to judge me for her disgraceful behavior. If I don’t do something about it, I will lose my chances at becoming the mayor of Auckland just because I have an unruly daughter despite my good intentions and plans for this city.”

Dominic folded his arms and continued listening to Duke. He was still shocked but gradually he was starting to understand the politician’s plight and what was driving the desperate action he was prepared to take.

“I need someone to curtail her shenanigans. I need someone to keep an eye on her, to keep her in check. What I need you to do is first pretend to be her fiancé and then progress to wed her.”

Again, Duke proceeded to clarify his proposal. “I mean, a fake wedding and marital life.”

He waited a moment to allow his words to sink in. He knew that his proposal was a tough one and understood the need to allow the young man time to process and assimilate things.

“I assure you that I am going to pay you handsomely for this deal.”

“Sir, how is this deal going to help your political aspirations?”

“Well, it will give the media something positive to talk about my daughter. Marriage is something that inspires respect and brings responsibility. I mean, it makes a man and a woman look responsible, especially in the eyes of society. I am sure that you know that already. Don’t you?”

Duke did not bother to ask if the man was single or not. He believed that if he was in a relationship, he would mention it sooner or later.

“I understand your point,” Dominic responded still pondering over Duke’s proposal.

“Great. So, are you up for this deal?”

“How long is it going to last?”

“Just until the political wave dies down. I mean, from the campaign period to the elections proper and after a winner emerges. You know, until the elections are over. That should be in about eleven months.”

Dominic sighed thoughtfully as he tried to wrap his head around the situation. He did not even know why he was there listening to this outrageous proposal.

Was he being sympathetic to the politician or what? He wasn’t even one who cared about politics. So, he didn’t know why he was still there trying to assimilate Duke’s proposal.

If as a joke, someone had suggested that such an absurd proposal would be made to him, he would have been clear about his reaction. His reaction would be to immediately politely decline the offer and walk away. But here he was, seemingly indulging the man.

“I understand that this is a tough deal,” Duke said as though reading his mind. “That’s why I will give you some days to think about it. How many days do you think will enable you to think?”

“To be frank with you sir, a proposal like this is so overwhelming that no precise time is coming to me.”

Duke smiled with understanding. He could put himself in the young man’s shoes and didn’t see himself being able to make a decision anytime soon. And that was if he didn’t even reject the absurd proposal right away. He considered himself lucky since the guy was listening to him.

“Then let’s go with three days,”  he suggested. “And I want to assure you that there is absolutely no pressure. But seeing how I like you already, it would be an honor if you accept this contract. Because what I need sincerely is your help.”

Duke’s humble and plea-rendered words resonated with Dominic in a heartfelt way. Still, he kept his body language stoic and unreadable, knowing that his proposal was a sensitive one.

Committing to such a deal without thinking would be foolishness and he was not stupid.

“Three days would be fine.” He said.

“Great. Here is my card.” Duke retrieved his business card and handed it to him. “So should I be expecting your response in the set time?”

“Sure,” Dominic confirmed.

“Okay.”

Dominic watched him press buttons on his phone for a while and seconds later, he received an alert on his phone. Upon checking, he saw that Duke had paid him handsomely for the day.

He looked at Duke. “Wow, that was way beyond what my service for the day was worth.” He said. “I am grateful, Sir.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

“Sir, please I need you to understand that this will not be my motivation depending on whatever my response turns out to be.” Dominic clarified.

Duke chuckled. “I was not expecting it to be. Don’t worry, it is not a bribe. Your service was smooth and enjoyable.”

“Thank you.”

“Shall we?” Duke rose to his feet and Dominic did the same.

Both men almost matched heights at around six feet but Dominic was slightly taller at six foot one.

“You’re tall,” Duke commented.

“As you are too, sir,” Dominic responded, making the man laugh as they both walked out of the restaurant, somewhat like friends who had known each other for longer.

***

That night, as Duke shared coffee with his wife in bed, they discussed his choice for Andra, and Carla was appalled.

“I can’t believe that you solicited the services of a taxi driver.”

“An uber driver.”

“Same thing.”

“A responsible and intelligent uber driver.” Duke corrected. “And handsome too. He is even taller than I am.” Duke sounded pleased with himself.

Carla could see that Duke was already taken with the man he had chosen for Andra.

Although she had always trusted his judgment, this one did not sit too well with her. Yes, Andra had never been nice to her but she still felt concerned. The girl was still her stepdaughter after all.

“Darling, I remember I mentioned that I will do my research and get someone. Why didn’t you even wait? Now you’ve selected a taxi driver and you’re branding him as responsible. What is responsible about him?”

“Don’t you trust my judgment anymore?”

“Not this time, I’m afraid. I mean, have you thought about Andra’s reaction when she finds out you’re setting her up with a taxi driver?”

“Whatever the case, don’t forget that this is for the media. It is not going to be a real marriage or anything. Even if I had found a doctor or lawyer or whatever, this is still a make-believe. All I need now is for the young man to accept this deal. That is my prior concern right now.”

“That young man does not stand a chance.” Carla declared.

“Don’t judge him by his profession.”

“I will get you someone better.” She offered to try to get him to change his mind.

“Fine. Get your candidate. But we will only talk about your candidate if the one I’m hoping for does not contact me or accept the proposal.”

“Anyway, for Andra’s sake, I sincerely pray that he does not contact you,” Carla said, still expressing her disapproval. “And even though he does, may it be to reject the proposal.”

“I reject that prayer of yours.” Duke refuted.

She shrugged. “I don’t even know why we are having this conversation.” She said. “Andra will never agree to this.”

Duke’s fixed gaze on Carla was resolute.

“It is not her call, but mine.” He declared.

Carla raised her hand in surrender. “Fine. As you wish.”